Customer Reviews

The Sky Is Gray

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4 star:		(1)
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Young James' world is limited to the Negro Quarters of rural Louisiana until a tootache forces him into a world he never imagined. A trip into town to get a tooth pulled ends up as a classroom for life's lessons and ambiguities. Set in the early 1940's, "The Sky is Gray", is the film adaptation of Ernest Gaines' short story. It is a classic piece in that a young Black boy comes face to face with the contradictions in the black and white adult world. Seen through an adolescent's eyes you will feel his surprise, raise his questions and share his hurts. This wonderful film is sensitive in its portrayal of a young boy forced to grow up in a hostile world. Gaines' black and white characters move beyond the stereotypes of southern society. Through James' eyes you see a young man confronting the slave mentality of a preacher while waiting for his dental appointment. You see James' mother attempting to maintain her dignity and pride when she knows her earnings are meager.Yet you find a woman who is willing to accept kindness, on her own terms. She makes it clear to her son that they are not beggers but working people. Most of all this film teaches us the lessons youth must be forced to learn especially if they're in an environment that is determined to keep them poor, ignorant and disenfranchised. James' mother must force him to grow up fast before he is consumed by the world. James sees the grays in this adult world but there is hope that he will be able to overcome the obstacles. This is a beautiful story about adolescence, becoming a man and learning how to live with dignity and pride regardless of your status. You will enjoy this touching story that reaches into your heart and fills you with joy for James and all young boys who must walk a similar path.

I first discovered this film at my college library. I had heard of the author's ...Miss Jane Pittman but was soon delighted to discover this gem. I've watched it over and over again. Read the short story or watch the film, the film remains true to the story. And each time many messages may be spoken in this film. One message in particular: Life is what you perceive it to be not what others say it is. The moral of the story can be found throughout the film and 1 important moral can be found in the dentist office scene. Remember, "Grass is black and the wind is pink." This is one of my favorite lines as well as is this one: "It's green 'cause they say its green." Eveyone can take something from this film/short story.

This very touching story leaves you wishing for more. Its open-ended storyline invites the viewer to imagine a much larger story, a family's closeness in a time of unspeakable hardship. What an expression of dignity, and respect! This is an essential.

In a world of splashy 2 hour+ action-packed,over-produced Hollywood Blockbusters stands the small collection of 46 minute gems from THE AMERICAN SHORT STORY COLLECTION."The Sky is Gray" is one of a few short stories realized into teleplays for the t.v. in the 1970's.They are all amazing adaptations and star some of the finest stage and screen character actors of the time.

"The Sky is Gray" is Charles Fuller's teleplay adaptation of Ernest J. Gaines short story.The story concerns itself chiefly with one day in the life of a young boy,James,and his mother as they go into town to have James' tooth pulled.Now that may not sound terribly grabbing, but for the student of poignant lessons learned in brief time periods with minimal dialogue, you will rarely find one done so compellingly and with such finesse.The time in which this play occurs is the 1930's "Jim Crow Era" still in force in rural Louisiana.The world sees only two colors,black and white not only in skin but in daily life. James observes his mother (outstandingly portrayed by Emmy-Award_winning Olivia Cole....and boy is she a marvel of restraint and courage!).She is his instructor in the ways of the world;keep your head down, go to the back of the bus,don't make waves,keep silence and do not accept charity.James' most important lesson is observed when a old white woman (the veteran actress Margaret Avery) and his mother attempts to show kindness and charity to James and his mother. The tete-a-tete between two proud women from the "opposing" races is one of the most amazing displays of both women coming into the shade of "gray" in this harsh existence that was Southern America.It is this moving moment that James sees that will propel him towards manhood.

Others in THE AMERICAN SHORT STORY COLLECTION are "Rappuccini's Daughter","The Jilting of Granny Weatherall" and " The Man who Corrupted Hadleyburg".

I leased this interesting movie from my public library after seeing it had been written by the author of Miss Jane Pittman. Though its no epic like Miss Jane Pittman, The Sky is Gray successfully embodies the same theme of sacrifice and a peoples struggle to survive.

I found myself quietly taking in everything about this short story; the cabin living quarters, the sparse meals, the poverty, the savings jar, the dignity and the life lessons. Funny how the message in this story comes across with very little verbal communication. The empty wind always seems to be at the door whistling.

As with the young man coming of age in this movie, the viewer learns as much from observing other peoples conversations and actions as from those of the main characters. Its the things that appear to be missing in this movie that catch your attention subconsciously. The scene in the dental office is one you'll want to replay in order to better understand and appreciate this movie. Things aren't always as they appear just as an empty garbage can might just be full of hope and dignity to one in need.

What I really liked about this movie was the strength and dignity of the mother. She may not have had much in material value, but she was determined to instill in her son the priceless value of her wisdom, dignity and will to survive the harsh realities of life.